If you are facing a move to Charlotte NC or the surrounding areas, it will be comforting to know that even with the nation’s current real estate problems, there are literally thousands of homes on the market. Of course you will narrow this list down according to your own requirements of location, size, age of the home and of course price. Even after you have whittled the list down to a select few, you may have a hard time deciding because Charlotte’s homes are among the most picturesque in the state.

Because Charlotte has so many different neighborhoods to choose from, often you have to consider these areas like separate cities. Ballantyne is one area of Charlotte that is on among the moderate to high price range, but most residents will say it is worth it. The average sale price for homes in this area in recent months has been between $300,000 and $400,000. This neighborhood is one where the houses tend to sell quickly because of the quality of the neighborhood. The residents are generally in a higher income bracket, the crime rate is lower and the schools are rated well by the state.

Dilworth is one of the oldest parts of Charlotte and so are the homes in it. Here you will find a higher price per square foot that many other neighborhoods in regard to home values. The average price per square foot has fluctuated around $270 over the past few months. This is also one of the attractive neighborhoods that tends to sell quickly. On the other end of the spectrum is Southwest Charlotte which has slightly more affordable homes without sacrificing aesthetics. Homes in this area average at about $200,000 so if your price range is under or over $200,000 you will probably find something in this area that you like.

One area that has perhaps the widest span of prices is Providence Plantation. Here, the home prices range from just under $200,000 to over $2 million. The reason for the great diversity is because Providence Plantation was not built like other Charlotte suburbs and subdivisions. Whereas many of the other neighborhoods were designed by one builder or architect, Providence Plantation was designed by a number of them. In the 1970’s when building began, the buyers simply purchased a lot and found a builder to build the house.

Obviously the jury is still out on the overall real estate market statistics for Charlotte in 2008, but as of the end of 2007 the market was progressive. The most expensive homes sold for approximately $2.5 million in Morrocroft Estates. Don’t let this discourage you from buying a home in Charlotte by thinking you can’t afford it. Out of over 17,000 home sales last year, approximately 200 homes sold for over $1 million. About 1200 sold for $500,000 to $1 million, around 500 sold in the $400,000s, and nearly 1700 sold in the $300,000s. Around 3500 homes were sold last year within the $200,000 to $300,000 range, but the most homes sold for between $100,000 and $200,000. This gives hope to the common house hunter that out nearly 9000 homes that sell in this price range in a year, you are certain to find one that fits you.

Keith is a Realtor with Golden Realty in the South Charlotte area. He is a member of the National, North Carolina, and Charlotte Association of Realtors. I used to belong to the Long Island board of realtors, making happy homes for people there. Now, I have finally convinced my wife to move down to Charlotte from Long Island, NY. So if you're ready to move into a fine area or you're ready to move on out, then give me a call at 704-607-4729. I want what’s best for... ...our Neighbors, our Friends, our Families!